Envelope-printing attachment for adding machines



J. A. PETTERSON.

ENVELOPE PRINTING ATTACHMENT FOR ADDING MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 18, 1921.

1,409,7 9, Patented Mar. 14,1922.

5 SHEETS-SHEET I.

J. A. PETTERSON.

ENVELOPE PRINTING ATTACHMENT FOR ADDING MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED IAN. I8. 1921.

1,409,769. a nted Mar- 14, 1922.

5 SHEETSSHEET 2.

J. A. PETTERSON.

ENVELOPE PRINTING ATTACHMENT FOR ADDING MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 18. I921.

1,409,769. Patented Mar. 14, 1922.

5 SHEETSSHEET 3.

J. A. PETTERSON.

ENVELOPE PRINTING ATTACHMENT FOR ADDING MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 18, 1921.

1,409,769,. Patented Mar. 14, 1922.

5 SHIcETSSHEET 4.

I. A. PEITERSON.

ENVELOPE PRINTING ATTACHMENT FOR ADDING MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED IAN. 13,19ZI- Patented Mar. 14, 1922.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

abbo'r/ww PATENT orricfa.

EnvELorE-rnmTme ATTACHMENT r03. momma macnmns.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Mar. 14, 1922.

' Application filed January 18,1921. Serial No. 438,261.

To all whom it may concern:

' 'Be it -known that I, J OHN ARVID PETTER SON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Washington, in the District of Columbia, have'invented. certain new and useful Improvements .in EnvelopeePrinting Attachments for Adding, Machines, of which the following is a specification. i

This invention relates to improvements in envelope printing attachment for adding machines and'has for its primary object to provide a detachable device for use on a computing machine in the saving of time and labor in printing amounts on salary envelopes, cards or the like.

A further object of the invention is to secure and maintain a continuous and successive line or'order on said envelopes or cards.

A further object is to provide a uniform way of placing such amounts, checking same from the pay list, and to check the grand total on the machine. And a still further object is to provide a means whereby the printed envelopes can be brought to the front of the machine without the operator leaving his position.

Thisinvention can be applied and used on any make of adding machine with a vertical printing system.

With the above and other. objects in view I have devised the attachment with its mechanism herein described and claimed, the functions and applications of which will be clearly understood by reference to the accompanying specification and drawings, in which- Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of the rear of an adding machine with the device in position, and also showing the arrangement for bringing the printed envelopes or cards back to the operator.

Fig. 2 represents a side elevation of an adding machine with part of the side broken away to show the printing'wheels, and showing a vertical central section of the device in position.

Fig. 3 represents a perspective view of the operatin mechanism connecting the handle of the a ding machine with the device.

Fig. 4 represents an enlarged rear elevation of the device detached from the adding machine, 4

Fig. 5 represents an enlarged side eleva- 'tio not the device detached from the adding machine,

' Fig. 6 represents an enlarged vertical section of part of the device showing the'platen operating mechanism.

Fig. 7 represents an enlarged vertical section of part of the device, showing the mechanism operating the release shutter.

Fig. 8 represents a side elevation of an adding machinewith the device in position, and showing the side rod connection for op erating'the release shutter.

- Fig. 9 represents a front viewof the member 31 attached to the operating handle of the adding machine. I

Fig. 10 represents an enlarged plan view of the lower end of the side .rod for operat-' ing the release shutter.

Fig. 11 represents an enlarged elevation of the upper part of the tube 44.

.Fig. 12 represents an enlarged elevation of the lower partof the member 44.

Fig. 13 represents a cross section taken on lines 00-00 of Fig. 11 and w ar of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 represents .an end elevation of. a

modification of the platen.

F ig. 15- represents a. side elevation of a similar modification of the platen.

Similar numerals of reference refer to slmllar parts throughout the several views. Referring to the drawings, the numeral 1 represents an adding machine of a wellknown type having an operating handle i and printing wheels 1. The inking mechanism is not shown. Located on the back of the machine 1, in lieu of the usual carriage and paper roll mechanism, is the envelope printing attachment; comprising first the frame 2, formed preferably of a metal casting, and secured to brackets attached to the body of the machine by thumb screws or wing nuts 2,'as shown in Fig. 8. A chute 3 passes through the frame 2 permanently secured thereto and terminates at the upper portion in a flared mouth 3. The lower portion of the chute 3 is curved and terminates in the opening 3. A holder l for the envelope or cards to be printed is situated at the top of the chute 3, permanently secured thereto, directly in front of the opening 3*. The frame 2 contains a transverse shaft or spindle 5 journaled in its end walls, being free to osclllate. A curved arm 6 is mounted on the shaft 5, secured thereto by a set screw or pin not shown, and is pivoted to the member 7. The member 7 is provided with a centrally disposed hole through which passes a short connecting rod 8 which is adjustably secured to the member 7 by nuts 8, 8, one on either side. Two short arms 9-9, connected'by the member 9', are pivoted to two brackets 2' mounted on the top of the frame 2, by a short rod 9", and the upper ends of the arms 9-9 are connected by a short rod 9 rigidly connected with each. Situated at the center of the member 9 is a bracket 10, to which the upper end of the connecting rod 8 is pivotall connected. A coiled sprin 11 connects the upper portion of the curv arm 6 with the rod-9 in order to take up any lost motion and insure quick action of the curved arm 6 in its forward movement. The platen bar 12 is provided with a hole close to its lower end which engagesthe short rod 9, being adjustably secure to the same by a clamp mounting 12. The platen 13 is ad'ustably mounted on the u per end of the platen bar 12 being clampe thereon by a screw 13", so that the platen 13 is adjustable in two directions, clrcumferentially by the pinch bind 12", and laterally by the screw 13.

An arm 14 is permanently mounted and pinned on the shaft 5, which extends downward, being pivotally connected at its lower end to the connecting arm' 15 by which motion is applied to the platen mechanism, so that when the arm 15 is moved rearward, the platen and its operating mechanism assume the printing position indicated by the dotted lines, Fig. 6, the platen bar coming to rest on the adjustable stop 16.

The envelope E, or cards to be printed, are taken from the holder 4, manually one at a time, and dropped into the mouth 3 of the chute 3, dropping on the shutter 17, where it is held until printed and released. The shutter 17 is rigidly mounted on a longitudinal shaft 18, passing through the frame 2 andjournaled in the side walls thereof, as shown in Fig. 7. An arm 19 is also rigidly mounted on the shaft 18, terminating in an eye 19 at its opposite end. A coiled spring 20 connects the eye 19 with a permanent fastening 20 at the bottom of the frame 2 as shown for the purpose of closing the shutter 17, the opening of which will be later described.

A block 21 forming a bearing for a short s indle 22 is mounted on the bottom of the rame 2 as shown, into which the spindle 22 is journaled. An arm 23 is pinned at its lower end to the end of the spindle 22, while at the upper end a short arm 24 is fastened on one side by the screw 24 in order that its position may be adjustable.

A member 25 is rigidly secured to the shaft 18 carrying the shutter 17 and the arm 19, and is provided with a pivotally connected toe 25, which engages the upper end of the arm 24. An arm 26 is pinned at its upper end to the spindle 22, while its printing the ,envelo lower end is ivotally connected with a connecting lin 27 by which motion is transmitted to the shutter gperating mechanism from that of the a ding machine. The full detail of the shutter operating mechanism is clearly shown in Fig. 7, the full lines showing the position of its several parts while the shutter is closed. The dotted lines show the position taken b these parts when the shutter is open. A at spring 28 is curved inwardly and secured at its upper and lower end to the frame 2 as shown. When the shutter 17 is open, the outer end of the arm 19 is firmly wedged against the spring 28, opposing the coile spring 20 and holding the shutter open. In order to close the shutter, the fiat spring 28 is moved outwardly by the curved end of the rod 29, shown in dotted lines, releasing the arm 19, and the coiled spring 20 is released and quickly closes the shutter, the arm 24 mean- .while having returned to its forward position so that the toe 25' is out of engagement with it. The rod 29, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 7 and in full lines in Figs. 1 and 8, rests at its lower end on a bracket 30 secured to the side wall of the frame 2. The lower end of the rod 29 is turned as shown in the enlarged detail, Fig. 10, so as to engage the inner side of the flat spring 28. The upper end of the rod 29 asses through an elongated slot 31 in t e bracket 31 which is mounted on the operating handle 1 of the adding machine, and is provided with a long screw thread. A nut 29, locked with a lock nut as shown, is placed on the rod 29 at the right side of the bracket 31, while on the left si e of the bracket, member 29" is slidably mounted on the rod and is cushioned by a coiled spring 29 which is held in lace by a nut as shown. No attempt is ma e to show the entire operating mechanism of the adding machine, only that portion which operates the mechanism of the envelope printing device described and claimed.

The adding machine is provided with the usual operating handle 1 which is mounted on and pinned to a shaft 32 journaled in a bearing 33. The shaft 32 is provided with a crank 34 connected with a connecting rod 35 to a crank 36 mounted on a shaft 37 journaled in bearings 38 and 38. A crank 39 is also mounted on the shaft 37 which is pivotally connected with the connecting rod or arm 15 operating the platen 13. The crank 36 is pivotally connected with the connecting link or arm 27.which operates the shutter 17 opening mechanism.

The normal or at rest position of the o I erating hande 1' is shown in full lines in Figures 2 and 8, the "dotted lines showing the relative position of the handle while and releasing and closing the shutter 1 The operation is as follows: An envelope is taken from the holder 4 and 'dropped into the .mouth 3. dropping and resting on the shutter 17.

The operating handle 1 is then'moved to the position X indicated by the dotted lines, after the proper keys have. been pressed.

- This movement brings'the laten 13 against in full lines, the platen'13 is raised from the 1 envelope. On moving the handle 1 back to the position indicated by the full lines, the shutter" 17 is opened by the forward action of the connecting link 27 by motion transmitted by the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3 and the envelope drops through the chute 3 tothe box 40 at the bottom of the chute. On moving the handle 1 further back to the position indicated by the dotted lines at 00-00, the side rod 29 presses the flat spring 28 outwardly releasing the shutter 17 and permitting the coiled spring 20 to quickly close the shutter, when a new envelope may be dropped intothe chute 3 and the operation of printing and releasing may be repeated.

A modification of the platen is illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15. In this case a yoke 41 is provided carrying a square platen 4+2 mounted on a spindle 42", the ends of which pass throu h holes in the side walls of the yoke ll. set screw, 41 holds the platen firmly in position. By this means, as one side of the platen wears, another side may be presented to the work. c

It will be seen that the amount will be printed in the same relative position on each envelope, and by printing the total of each vset of envelopes on a card, that a check is maintained on the total amounts of each set. Also, that the envelopes may be rnaintained-in. their regular order.

A decided advantage of this envelope printing attachment is, with its use, a special envelope printing machine is not necessary.

In order to avoid the necessity of the operator leaving his position at the front of the machine to empty the box 4:0, means are provided whereby he can'raise the box 40 and swing it around to the front of the machine. The machine is mounted on a stand 43. At one side of the stand 43, a section of metal tubing 44: is clamped, provided with a slot 45 curved at the top and bottom as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, forming pockets 45 at the top, and 45 at the bottom. A rod 46 slides within the tube 44, provided at the top with a handle 46, andclose to the lower end with a curved extension 46' terminating in a plate 46, which is screwedto the bottom of the box 40. When the curved rod 46* rests in the pocket 45", it is locked fr oni side movement. When it is desired to swmg the box 40 to the front of the machine, the handle 46 is raised until the extension 46 reaches the pocket 45 at the top of the tube g and then swung around until the extension .46 'rests 1n the pocket 45. The box 40 will then be locked from side movement in its raised position in -front of the machine as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 1. It can be returned tothe rear of the'machine by reversing the operation.

What I claim is:-

1. An envelope printing attachment for computing machines having a printing system, comprising a chute for guiding the envelopes, a reciprocating platen located within and operating across the chute, a member pivoted immediately adjacent the side of the chute and operative thereacross' for holding the envelope in the printing position, and means connected with the operating means of the computing machine for actuating said pivoted member.

2. An envelope printing attachment for computing machines having a printing system, comprising a chute for guiding the envelopes, a pivoted member located within said chute for holding the envelopes in the printing position, means connected with the operating means of the computing machine for causing said pivoted member to release the envelopes, and automatic means adapted to return said pivoted member to its normal position after the envelope has been released.

3. in an envelope printing attachment for computing machines having a printing system, the combination with a detachable chute a reciprocating platen located within and operating across the chute, adjustable means for causing the platen toregister in alignment with the printing elements, and adjustable means for limiting the forward movement of the platen.

In an envelope printing device, the combination with a computing machine having a printing system with operating means for the same, a feed chute located back of the computing machine, such chute being provided at its upper end with a flared opening forming a hopper, a frame supporting such feed chute and attached to the computing machine, a platen co-acting with said printing system for printing an envelope, a drop. shutter within said feed chute for holding the envelope while being printed, means connected with the operating mechanism of the computing machine for opening said drop shutter to release the envelope, and means for automatically closing said shutter after the envelope has dropped.

5. In an envelope printing device, the combination with a computing machine havlltl ing a printing system with operatin means for the same, a feed chute located bac of the computing machine, said chute being provided at its upper end with a flared openin forming a hopper, a frame supporting sai feed chute and detachably mounted on the rear of the computing machine, a laten coacting with the printing system or printing an envelope, a drop shutter within said feed chute for holding an envelope whil'e being printed, means connected with the 0 erating mechanism of the computing mac ine for opening said drop shutter for releasing the envelope, means for closing said dro shutter after the envelope has been droppe a delivery chute, and a receptacle for receiving the printed envelopes from the delivery chute.

6. In an envelope printing attachment for computing machines, a feed chute, a pivot-ally operated drop shutter located within the feed chute, means connected with the operating means for the computing machine for opening said drop shutter, and quick acting closing means operating independently of said opening means for closing sald shutter.

7. In combination with a computing machine having a printing system actuated by a handle, a detachable envelope printing attachment comprising a feed chute, a platen co-acting with the printing system, a shutter located within the feed chute for holding an envelope while being printed, means actuated by the operating means of the printing system for opening saidshutter and releasing the envelope, and quick acting means released by the handle of the computing machine independently of the shutter opening mechanism for closing said shutter.

8. In an envelope printing attachment for computing machines, the combination with a frame having a tube for guiding the envelopes, a platen located within the tube andmounted on a rocking member pivoted to said frame, connections between said rocking member and the platen adapted for circumferential adjustment of the laten, and means for adjusting the platen aterally so as to align the platen with the printing elements on impression.

9. In an envelope printing attachment for computing machines, the combination with a frame having a tube for guiding the envelopes, a platen located within the tube and mounted on a rocking member pivoted on said frame, connections between said rocking member and the platen adapted for circumferential and lateral adjustments of the platen so as to align the platen with the printing elements on im ression, and a limit stop adapted to arrest t e platen on its forward movement for printin an envelope.

In testimony whereof I a x my signature.

J OHN ARVID PETTERSON. 

